theory of evolution (early concepts)

Early theories of evolution proposed that species change over time through natural processes. Thinkers like Jean-Baptiste Lamarck suggested that organisms could pass on traits acquired during their lifetime, like a giraffe stretching its neck. Charles Darwin later introduced natural selection, where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to future generations. Over many generations, these small changes accumulate, leading to the development of new species. These foundational ideas laid the groundwork for understanding how life on Earth has evolved and diversified over millions of years.